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In this episode I embark on an intriguing exploration of surrender's nuanced landscape.

Delving into the delicate balance between surrender and collapse, the conversation unravels the intricate dance between resistance, control, and acceptance.

Personal anecdotes, including transformative parenting moments and the liberating act of trusting one's body, highlight the profound impact of surrender on the nervous system.

Surrender is strategy for the preservation of resources. Tuning into the body and practicing acceptance and surrender can be a valuable tool to have more resources for problem solving and creativity.

The episode also offers valuable resources and practical steps for listeners to incorporate these insights into their daily lives.

In this episode:

• Exploring the Concept of Surrender
• Definitions and Meanings of Surrender
• Personal Reflections on Surrender
• Parenting and Surrender
• Surrender vs. Collapse
• Acceptance and Trust

Related Episodes:

Episode 40 - Being With What Is with Chandra Cantor

Episode 38 - Resistance is a Normal Part of Change

Episode 67 - Balancing Effort and Being: Insights on Self Love

Episode 76 - The Art of Restoration

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

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In this episode I welcome back Larissa Carlson, an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga specialist certified by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and Yoga Alliance.

Larissa shares her extensive knowledge on pranayama (yogic breathwork) and its benefits, especially for managing Vata imbalances and promoting Sattva during perimenopause.

The episode explores various breathwork techniques, their mental and physical health benefits, and the importance of adapting practices to individual needs and life stages.

Larissa emphasizes the significance of slowing down and incorporating soothing exercises, lifestyle shifts, and mindfulness practices into daily routines.

Listeners are also treated to a guided pranayama practice for calming the nervous system. The episode serves as an insightful guide for anyone looking to use Ayurvedic principles and breathwork to enhance their well-being.

In this episode:

• Larissa's Background and Expertise
• Introduction to Pranayama
• Balancing Vata and Sattva
• Pranayama Techniques for Perimenopause
• Lifestyle Shifts for Perimenopause
• Exercise and Weight: The Middle Path
• Hydration and Nutrition: Staying Juicy
• Embracing Change: Acceptance and Non-Attachment
• Consistent Moderation: The 80/20 Rule
• Pranayama Practice: Calming Vata
• Sustainable Practices: Integrating Mindfulness

Related Episode:

Episode 62 : Cultivating Ojas for a Healthy Libido with Larissa Carlson

Connect with Larissa:

Website

Instagram

Sattvic Sensuality Course

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

Happy darkest days of winter to you!

In celebration of these dark times, when ideally we get more rest, quiet and stillness ( but the reality is often otherwise), I am offering you a small gift of a Yoga Nidra practice for restoration.

This episode is different than most, I talk a little bit in the beginning but the majority of the episode is the actual practice.

Take a moment for yourself in the chaos and drop down into a deeper state of consciousness, giving your body and mind the gift of deep rest. Save the episode to listen to whenever you need that rejuvenation.

Related Episodes:

The Art of Restoration with Somatics, Ayurveda and Herbs

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

If it is winter where you live, and you feel cold, dry, spacey, are having trouble sleeping or feel that your nervous system could use some love - you may need an abhyanga.

What the heck is an abhyanga? Listen to this episode and find out! I am going to dive deep into the Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga, which involves applying and massaging warm oil into the body.

I explain the different benefits of Abhyanga, such as soothing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, enhancing circulation, and improving skin health as well as the roots of Abhyanga in the ancient Ayurvedic texts.

The episode also touches upon when Abhyanga might not be appropriate, including directly after meals, menstruation, and certain health conditions.

Personal anecdotes and clinical studies are shared to highlight the efficacy of this ancient practice, while practical tips for incorporating self-Abhyanga into daily routine are provided.


In this episode:

• Vata Season and Abhyanga
• The Practice and Benefits of Abhyanga
• Abhyanga From the Ancient Ayurvedic Texts
• Personal Experiences and Stories
• When Not to Perform Abhyanga
• Scientific Studies Supporting Abhyanga
• Practical Tips for Self-Abhyanga

Related Episodes:

Episode 3 - What the Vata?!
Episode 66 - Nervous System Reset for Vata Season

Other Resources:

Abhyanga Self Massage Guide

Abhyanga for Midcoast Maine locals

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

You don't need to be graceful or "good" at dancing to experience the healing power of dance.

Just about anyone can dance and there is so much power in moving our bodies in this way.

In this episode I am joined by certified dance therapist Anika Voy. Anika shares her journey from Germany to Costa Rica, how she discovered dance therapy during a period of severe depression, and its impact on her life.

We delve into the transformative, healing, and expressive powers of dance, discussing its role in holistic self-care and authenticity.

The conversation also covers practical ways to incorporate dance into daily life, the importance of feeling safe while exploring freeform movement, and the profound connection between body and mental well-being.

In this episode:

• Anika's Journey: From Germany to Costa Rica
• The Healing Power of Dance
• Dance and Authentic Self-Expression
• Incorporating Dance into Daily Life
• Working with Clients: Dance Therapy in Practice

Connect with Anika:

Somatic Dance Mentoring

Instagram

Facebook

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

As I head into winter here in the Northeast United States, I am renewing my restorative practices.

Restoration is an important component of both the somatic and Ayurvedic practices that I do.

And although restoration embodies simplicity in its nature it is not always an easy thing to do.

In this episode I dive into the crucial yet often overlooked stage of restoration within the stress response cycle.

Journeying through the stages of activation, mobilization, actualization, deactivation, and ultimately, restoration, the episode highlights the transformative power of proper rest and rejuvenation.

Emphasis is placed on how modern lifestyles and cultural norms frequently sideline restoration, leading to burnout and reduced resilience.

I share personal practices and Ayurvedic wisdom to foster restoration, from yoga nidra and meditation to herbal remedies.

The episode also addresses the broader cultural implications of valuing rest, advocating for a shift in societal norms toward recognizing rest as essential rather than a luxury.

In this episode:

• Understanding the Stress Response Cycle
• The Importance of Restoration
• Personal Practices for Restoration
• Ayurvedic and Herbal Approaches
• Cultural Norms and the Value of Rest

Related Episodes:

Episode 59 - Befriending Stress: Riding the Waves of the Stress Response Cycle
Episode 15 - Vibrancy is a Long Game (on Ojas)
Episode 62 - Cultivating Ojas for a Healthy Libido with Larissa Carlson

References:

Doshi GM, Une HD, Shanbhag PP. Rasayans and non-rasayans herbs: Future immunodrug - Targets. Pharmacogn Rev. 2013 Jul;7(14):92-6. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.120506. PMID: 24347916; PMCID: PMC3842000.

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

Using medicinal herbs can sometimes feel overwhelming, there is just so much to know.

But what if it is also as simple as adding more culinary herbs to your food, or using bitters before meals.

In this episode, Jade Alicandro helps to demystify herbalism as she delves into the concept of kitchen herbalism, explaining its accessibility and deep historical roots.

Jade elaborates on the benefits of culinary herbs and digestive bitters, emphasizing their role in promoting digestive and nervous system health.

Practical mealtime practices are also discussed to help listeners engage in a 'rest, digest, and repair' state.

Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into incorporating these practices into their daily lives for better health and wellness.

In this episode:

• Jade's Journey into Herbalism
• Understanding Kitchen Herbalism
• The Importance of Culinary Herbs
• Digestive Bitters and Their Benefits
• Incorporating Herbs into Meals
• Mealtime Practices for Optimal Digestion

Connect with Jade:

Website: www.milkandhoneyherbs.com

Instagram: @milkandhoneyherbs

Facebook: milkandhoneyherbs

Spice Rack Medicine Course (open for registration from 11/29 - 12/13): https://spicerackmedicineonline.teachable.com/p/2025

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram

Send us a text

In this week's episode I welcome functional nutritionist and certified autoimmune coach Risa Groux to discuss the relationship between diet and autoimmune diseases.

Risa, who practices in Newport Beach, California, shares her expertise on using whole foods to aid in healing and managing autoimmune conditions.

The episode covers her personal journey with Hashimoto's disease, the importance of identifying root causes through comprehensive testing, and the role of diet in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

Listeners will also hear inspiring success stories and receive actionable advice on minimizing exposure to chemicals in everyday life.

The podcast underscores the interconnectedness of the nervous system, digestion, and overall well-being, emphasizing that dietary choices can profoundly influence health outcomes.

In this episode:

• The Importance of Whole Foods in Healing
• Risa's Journey to Functional Nutrition
• Challenges and Misconceptions in Autoimmune Disease
• Identifying Root Causes and the Role of Diet
• Choosing Foods for Healing and Longevity
• Mindset and Relationship with Food
• Success Stories: Overcoming Autoimmune Challenges
• Inflammation and Gut Health
• Future Developments in Functional Nutrition

Connect with Risa:

RisaGrouxNutrition.com

Instagram

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Facebook

My resources:

Deep Rest Meditation

Nourished For Resilience Workbook

Book a free Exploratory Call

Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com

and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram